For many businesses, renting an office in Manchester city centre has long been seen as the obvious choice. The city offers a thriving business community, excellent transport links and a wide range of offices in Manchester, from modern developments to characterful office buildings in sought after locations such as King Street and the Northern Quarter.
However, more businesses are beginning to look beyond the city centre. Rising costs, changing working habits and a greater focus on value are encouraging companies to consider office space outside Manchester that still provides easy access to the city without the premium price tag.
At Simple Storage, we provide office space near Manchester from our Arrow Mill Business Centre in Rochdale. Our serviced offices offer businesses a professional base with excellent transport links into Manchester while providing the flexibility and affordability that many modern businesses are looking for.
There is no doubt that Manchester is one of the UK's fastest growing cities. Areas around Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria, Piccadilly Gardens and the central business district continue to attract established companies, start ups and tech companies looking to establish themselves in a vibrant business environment.
While Manchester boasts an impressive choice of offices, demand has naturally pushed up rental costs. Businesses also need to consider business rates, parking, commuting times and the overall cost of operating from the city centre.

For many organisations, being based just outside Manchester provides a better balance. They still enjoy easy access to clients and suppliers while avoiding many of the additional costs associated with a central location.
Coworking spaces have become increasingly popular, particularly among freelancers and very small businesses. Shared desks, coworking desks and flexible workspaces can suit businesses that only need occasional desk space.
As businesses grow, however, many begin looking for dedicated private offices that offer greater privacy, security and room to expand. Having your own office space also creates a more professional environment for meeting clients, supporting employees and building your business.
At Arrow Mill Business Centre, we focus on private offices rather than coworking spaces. Businesses can choose from a wide range of office sizes, allowing them to find workspace that suits their current requirements while leaving room for future growth.
Choosing office space is about far more than simply finding four walls and a desk.
An ideal workspace should help businesses operate efficiently every day. Reliable high speed Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, breakout space, mail handling services and flexible office space all contribute towards a productive working environment.
Natural light, comfortable surroundings and practical facilities can also improve employee wellbeing and create a more welcoming place for clients to visit.
At Simple Storage, our serviced offices are available either fully furnished or unfurnished, allowing businesses to create a workspace that reflects their own way of working. Combined with reception services, canteen and breakout facilities, passenger and service lifts, secure parking and ongoing building maintenance, businesses benefit from a professional environment without unnecessary complexity.
Choosing office space outside Manchester does not mean sacrificing convenience.
Arrow Mill Business Centre is located on the A664, just minutes from Junction 20 of the M62. Castleton train station is approximately a five-minute walk away, while Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria Station and other key train stations are all easily accessible. The extensive bus network operated by Transport for Greater Manchester also makes travelling to and from the office straightforward for staff and visitors.

For businesses whose teams travel across Greater Manchester or regularly visit Manchester Airport, this location offers an excellent balance between accessibility and affordability.
Businesses today often have changing workspace requirements. Some are launching their first office, while others are relocating from Manchester city centre in search of a more cost effective solution.
Arrow Mill Business Centre has been designed to support businesses throughout that journey. We offer serviced offices ranging from approximately 108 square feet through to open plan office suites of more than 5,000 square feet, making the building suitable for both small businesses and established companies.
Flexible rental terms and straightforward licence agreements allow businesses to adapt as they grow without committing to long commercial leases. Many of our tenants also value the practical benefits of secure parking, meeting rooms, mail handling, breakout facilities and excellent transport links, all included within a professional business environment.
Every business has different priorities, but many no longer need a prestigious city-centre postcode to succeed.
If your business values flexibility, competitive costs and excellent transport links, office space outside Manchester could provide a smarter long-term solution. You can still enjoy easy access to Manchester while benefiting from larger office space, modern facilities and a professional working environment that supports your business as it grows.
If you are currently comparing office space in Manchester, it is worth exploring the advantages of being based just outside the city. You can find out more about our office space near Manchester or view our serviced offices in Rochdale to see how Arrow Mill Business Centre could support your next move.
If you'd like to talk through your options, call our team on 01706 716000 or get in touch — we're happy to help you find the right space.